Skin Treatment

Excessive Hair Growth

Excessive Hair Growth

Excessive hair growth, also known as hirsutism is a common problem among women, caused by an increased level of male hormones known as androgens.

- Problems for Patients

The most common questions about excessive hair growth that may arise in patient's mind are:

- What are the causes behind excess hair growth?

Excessive hair growth in women may be caused by an increase in the amount of circulating male hormones called androgens in the body such as testosterone which promote an abnormal and excessive growth of hair. This can occur as a result of a variety of certain systemic conditions.

It may also be caused by increased sensitivity of hair follicles to the effect of the androgens.

- When to consult a dermatologist?

Hirsutism induces psychological stress on the individual in relation to her outward appearance. This can cause a reduction in self-esteem and should be treated as fast as possible.

- Is there any permanent treatment?

Depending on the treatment option, the condition can be treated permanently. This may be done by complete removal of hair follicles.

- Is the treatment only for women?

While women are more likely to seek treatment for excessive body hair than men, the treatment procedures are not only for women but men can also benefit from them.

- What will happen after the Excessive Hair Growth treatment?

After repeated treatments, hair will cease to grow on the treated areas, especially if the hair follicles have been removed. There may be a minimal chance of blister formation directly after the procedure. Follow up sessions should be done every 3-4 months that will make the results more permanent.

-Information and Causes of the Disease:

Excess hair growth occurs in areas where women usually grow fine hair or no hair at all. On chin, chest and above lip line etc.

There can be many reasons behind excess hair growth among which commonly seen is PCOS (polycystic ovary disease), Use of certain medicines, including testosterone and glucocorticoids and some congenital abnormalities. Cushing's disease is also a common cause.

One form of hirsutism is also known as idiopathic hirsutism. There occurs a gradual increase in coarse body hair growth and this is often related with PCOS. For complete diagnosis of the underlying disease, certain blood tests should be performed for accurate diagnosis. Level of testosterone, Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin should be measured in the blood.

- Excessive Hair Growth Treatment Procedures:

Hair follicles usually have life cycle of about six months, therefore for excessive hair growth removal treatment, patience is the key. However, pregnant women should ask about the safety of the treatment before getting started with any procedure. Some simple techniques involved in lightening the excessive hair growth are:

Use of creams (Eflornithine hydrochloride)

Use of oral contraceptives

Use of anti-androgens

The above mentioned techniques are quite helpful; however desired result may not be achieved. For this purpose laser treatment is the best thing to be done.

In case of laser treatment, this technique directs concentrated, short, pulsating beams of light at problem areas of the skin. Energy of laser light is converted into heat and this heat destroys the hair follicles. This is suitable for all skin types, but it is advisable to consult Dr. Rinky Kapoor- dermatologist before getting started. This is not only helpful for women, but men can also take benefits from it. Men seek treatment for hair reduction at certain body parts including the chest, abdomen, beard etc.

Depending upon the site and the area involved, the time required for laser treatment can vary. For treatment of the whole face, the process may take about 30 minutes while removal from areas with less hair may be done in less than 10 minutes.

Before undergoing treatment, one ought to check for the presence of hormonal imbalance, ovarian diseases, hormonal abnormality etc. If any of these are present, there may be an increase in the number of treatments because one will first have to cure the abnormalities.

It usually takes around 8-12 sessions for results but it may take longer for those suffering from hormonal imbalance.

Indications of laser treatment:

Especially darkly pigmented hair in areas under high impact of androgens

- Contraindications of laser treatment:

Extreme exposure to the sun

History of allergic reactions

Existence of unusual scarring on the skin

Herpes

Pregnancy

keloids

- Side effects of laser treatment:

Common side effects of the procedure include irritation of the skin, tingling or burning feeling, itchiness and others. The area of the skin that has undergone treatment may also be reddened or pink.

If the dose and the duration of laser is not appropriate, there can be paradoxical hair growth

Types of lasers:

A number of laser types that may be employed for hair removal, include:

Diode laser

Ruby laser

Ultimate light laser

Yag laser

- Benefits of Excessive Hair Growth Treatment

Laser treatment provides with the permanent hair reduction on the given site. Regrowth is usually delayed. But in case of excessive hair growth due to hormonal disturbance as in case of Cushing disease etc. the hair reduction usually requires some additional treatment sessions with the addition of a medical therapy.

- What Is The Cost Of Excessive Hair Growth Treatment?

We, as individuals are extremely conscious about the blemishes and flaws in our appearance. This consciousness can often come in the way of us making a great first impression. An investment in cosmetic surgery can go a long way towards giving us the look we aspire for as individuals. Excessive Hair Growth treatment can help people, mainly women ensure that there is a cessation of hair growth in the treated areas.

If you choose to undertake the Excessive Hair Growth treatment, you will have to be accommodating of the fact that it is a long process, often taking up to six months. The most efficient way of undergoing this procedure is laser treatment. This technique directs a beam of light onto the skin. The energy of the laser is converted into heat and the heat destroys the hair follicles. The cost of the treatment varies according to the type of treatment you require. But picking a clinic solely on the basis of cost would be unwise because low cost often means higher risk of unproductivity when it comes to laser treatments.

The Esthetic Clinic is a great place for your cosmetic surgery needs. Dr. Rinky Kapoor, our co- founder, is one of the foremost dermatologists in the world and practices in Mumbai. She in unison with the rest of her highly trained staff will cater to your every need in order to ensure that you are proud of your appearance.

The Esthetic Clinic is a specialised medical centre for skin-care treatment and cosmetic surgery. Our staff has is well trained and qualified in the field of laser therapy and if you have decided to undergo excessive hair treatment, The Esthetic Clinic is a good place for you.

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About Doctor

Dr. Rinky Kapoor

Best Dermatologist & Best Cosmetic Dermatologist in India

Dr. Rinky Kapoor is a cosmetologist as well as is associated with some of the best dermatology hospitals in India. Cosmetology is a mix of the use of art and medicine together in a way that is aesthetically pleasing. She’s amongst the best dermatologist in Mumbai is the fact that she uses the world’s best and latest technological advances to give most natural looking results.